The scale of the waste dumped in the former Thomas Peacocke Lower School site in Ferry Road in Rye is clear from pictures taken on Tuesday, November 27. The derelict site has seen increasing amounts of illegal fly-tipping, including piles of asbestos, building waste and an abandoned caravan.
Rye News reported in August (Fly-tippers strike again) that waste including asbestos had appeared in the site while developers Plutus (Rye) Ltd wait for a decision by Rother District Council for planning permission to build retirement flats and houses, which had been due to be decided on in August this year.
Despite assurances from the company in August that steps would be taken to clear and secure the site, no action was taken. The entrance gates have remained unsecured and access has been made even easier now, as hoarding at the entrance has blown down in the recent storm.
Much of the site is strewn with rubbish, with piles of household, garden and building waste covering a large area. An abandoned caravan and camping equipment complete with mattresses, clothes and children's toys has been left amongst the rubbish.
Rother District Council Environmental health and pollution department have been informed and are looking into it. However, Rother District Council can only remove fly-tipped waste if it is on the public highway or on their land. It is the responsibility of owners of the land to remove any waste although a council has “the power to require landowners to remove waste which is detrimental to the amenities of a neighbourhood (an eyesore) or prejudicial to health” (https://www.rother.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/fly-tipping/).
Plutus (Rye) Ltd have been contacted for a comment.
